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Top: Tan caterpillar with dark brown head on corn stalk. Bottom: Black caterpillar with light stripes and yellow-brown head capsule. Caterpillar also has small spines on body segments.

Caterpillars Active in South Dakota Corn Fields

Both European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) are active in corn fields. Sometimes the caterpillar activity and identity of these two species can be confused.

Left: Green soybean plants covered with yellow and brown spots indicative of frogeye leaf spot infection.  Right: Green soybean trifoliate that is covered in brown spots.

Deciding on Fungicide Application to Manage Mid-Late Season Soybean Leaf Fungal Diseases

Soybean leaf diseases can develop in some soybean fields to reach yield-reducing levels. The question that growers often ask is whether it is profitable to apply a fungicide to soybeans at the R3/R4 growth stage in South Dakota.

Grain storage bin.

Steps to Prevent Stored Grain Infestations

As wheat harvest is underway it is important to ensure that grain bins are prepared in the best possible manner to prevent insect infestations. There are seven steps that can be taken to help reduce the chances of having infested grain.

Field of mixed cover crops containing oats.

Cover Crop Considerations for 2020

Producers across South Dakota are harvesting small grains. These crops provide an excellent window for adding a cover crop into your rotation.

Green leaves with notches along the edges

What Is Feeding on My Lilac Bushes?

There have been multiple reports of mysterious defoliation occurring on lilac bushes.The defoliation is often described as notches showing up around the edges of the leaves, resembling the edge of a saw blade.

A row of corn cobs in various colors and sizes

Indian Corn & Popcorn

Beautifully hued ears of dried ornamental corn appear this time of year in autumn decorations. In South Dakota, each fall the Corn Palace at Mitchell sports fresh murals from the naturally colored corn.

Left: Head of softneck garlic cut in half. Right: Head of hardneck garlic cut in half.

Planting Garlic

Garlic is planted late in the fall, before the soil freezes. It is easy to grow, takes very little space and is a true treat. Grow some yourself this fall to enjoy next year!

Grassland with a large amount of dried brush and fuel for burning.

Removing Young Trees From Grasslands Will Save Money and Effort

Volunteer trees can hinder the development of desirable wildlife habitat and livestock resources. Early control of volunteer woody species is the simplest and most cost-effective option for maintaining open grassland habitats.

A young girl harvesting a sweet potato.

Harvest Helpers

At the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to identify root and non-root fruits and vegetables and learn harvesting skills.

Mother with child cooking homemade jam in a kitchen.

Preservation Station!

At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to list the most-common methods used to preserve fruits or vegetables.